Forever Until Now
Chapter 32;; Cold White Moon
Her sweet voice cut through the dawn, reaching into the hearts of every cat present. The old queen lifted her head and Victoria saw that there was new hope, new life in her eyes.
"Jellicle Cats come out tonight-"
"Misto, be quiet. Please." Victoria took in a shuddering breath and fanned herself with a bit of scrap paper.
"Sorry," the tuxedo tom said apologetically. "I can't believe the Ball's finally here!"
"I can't believe it either," Victoria said in a dark voice that suggested she'd rather wait a couple more months.
"Aren't you going to practice?" Misto asked warily.
"No," Victoria said shortly. She shifted a little closer to an old mirror she'd dug up from a pile of junk. Several shards of it were missing, but Victoria could see herself just fine. "Is my fur fine, Misto?" she asked him, slowly turning round so that he could get a close look.
"Seriously, you've asked me that at least fifty times. You're fine."
"I don't want to be just fine," Victoria grimaced. "The Jellicles need to see me at my best tonight."
Misto sighed and took hold of the white queen's shoulders. "You look beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, excellent, amazing, perfect-"
"Oh, thanks," Victoria interrupted, giving him a tiny smile of appreciation. He laughed.
"Anyway," he said. "Have you seen Electra anywhere?"
"Plato went off to find her after our practice earlier during the day," Victoria said in a very tight voice. "But I haven't seen the cat herself since… what, yesterday?"
Misto sighed. "Thanks anyway."
"I don't think she's very happy, Misto," Victoria said quietly, inspecting herself in the mirror again.
"I know that," Misto said. "No one really is completely happy at the moment. I want to help her though, somehow. I'm going to find her – are you alright here?"
"Go for it," Victoria said, smoothing her fur carefully. Misto nodded and just like that, he vanished.
"I'm really, really not looking forward to this," Victoria mumbled to her reflection as soon as he was gone. "Really."
Plato and Electra both jumped when Misto appeared right in front of them.
"Bast, Misto, you don't have to do that," Plato groaned.
"Sorry," Misto replied with a grin, dusting himself off. "So, what's the plan for the Ball?"
"Attempt to sit around in the background as much as possible," Electra said tonelessly.
Misto frowned.
"Unfortunately for me, I can't do that," Plato said wryly. "I'm going to be in the spotlight with Victoria." He rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm just going to keep close to Etcetera."
"I see." Misto smiled gently. Etcetera was still acting strange – though, most would think of it as her normal behavior. Tugger was pleased to have his favorite fangirl back, but her friends felt as if they had lost her.
"So I suppose you're going to prance around being your usual flamboyant self?" Plato smirked.
"You don't have to make me sound so outrageously gay," Misto sighed.
Plato began to laugh and Electra gave a single, quiet chuckle.
"We see the way you look at Tugger," Plato teased.
"We're friends," Misto protested. He shook his head at them despairingly. "Anyway, the Ball's about to start – shall we head on over?"
"Let's get it over and done with," Electra muttered, slowly standing up.
Jemima made sure to keep quiet on her way to the Ball, but somehow Pouncival still managed to find her. He stopped her and paused to catch his breath.
"Hi, Jemima," he grinned.
"Hello, Pounce," Jemima answered quietly.
"So, you gonna dance with me all night long?" he asked, a cheeky smile turning his lips upwards.
"Course I will." Jemima bit her lip uneasily – she had planned to dance with Alonzo as well, but would that look too suspicious?
"I'm so lucky to have you," Pouncival purred, pulling her into a long and very tight hug.
"And I'm lucky to have you," Jemima said automatically, feeling an ache somewhere in her soul.
"C'mon – it's time," Pouncival grinned, taking her hand. The two of them started walking again.
Up above, the moon's cold white face shone bright.
Every year, the Jellicle Ball was very carefully planned out and executed. After all, it was the Jellicles' time of the year to celebrate and be happy.
That Jellicle Ball was no different – in fact, it was probably the most planned Ball they'd ever had. What with the situations of most of the young cats, Munkustrap was prepared for anything and everything. Or so he thought, at least.
It started out well. No one looked too depressed, although Electra barely smiled throughout the first few songs. Victoria performed to her best ability and Etcetera couldn't stop smiling.
The sad thing was, no one could see how forced those smiles were.
Then, it was time. Jellicles scattered off to watch from the shadows, leaving one cat an entire stage of her own. Victoria, quaking inside with nervousness, began her first solo dance of the night. Misto, tucked back inside the pipe, kept catching her eye and giving her warm smiles. I'm fine, she thought to herself. I've been doing this all my life.
Still, she could feel the expectant stares from the Jellicles hidden all around and it frightened her. What if she stuffed up? Would she ever feel accepted again?
She was glad when Misto finally leapt up to perform his part. He'd practiced it many times over and looked delighted to finally have his moment.
Way too happy, Victoria thought, though she couldn't contain the smile that rose to her lips.
Jellicle Cats come out tonight
Jellicle Cats come one come all
The Jellicle moon is shining bright
Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball
Jellicle Cats come out tonight
Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball
As Munkustrap took his place, Misto dropped back to murmur in her ear. "That was great, Vicki!"
"Thanks," she whispered. She was about to tell him that he'd done wonderfully but just then, Munkustrap began.
Jellicle Cats meet once a year
At the Jellicle Ball where we all rejoice
And the Jellicle Leader will soon appear
And make what is known as the Jellicle Choice
When Old Deuteronomy, just before dawn
Through a silence you feel you could cut with a knife
Announces the cat who can now be reborn
And come back to a different Jellicle Life
For waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer
Full of wonders one Jellicle only will see
And Jellicles ask because Jellicles dare:
Who will it be?
Victoria shivered a little. She'd forgotten all about the Jellicle Choice, though it seemed impossible. Looking round at all the Jellicles gathered, she couldn't imagine seeing any of them depart to the Heaviside Layer. Perhaps it would be one of the cats that barely made appearances in the Junkyard – Gus seemed a good choice.
The next song – Jennyanydots' song – passed in a blur. Victoria had a part as one of the mice (it was embarrassing to have to sit with all of her old friends with that horrible mask over her face) and so she was busy throughout the entire song. She wanted to sit back and watch, but there was no chance of that since Munkustrap had given her a part in many songs.
She was already tired of the Ball, and it was only the fourth song.
Her mind drifted as she danced – what would it have been like if she'd chosen to stay with Macavity? Who knew what he was up to that night?
Etcetera was thoroughly bored by Jennyanydots' song – they'd already run through it far too many times during the practice, for Jennyanydots wanted absolute perfection.
According to what Munkustrap had planned, Bustopher Jones' song was next. But Etcetera knew different – Tugger had explained his own plan to her and recruited her weeks earlier. She shivered in anticipation. Tugger was going to blow the Jellicles away!
Meow.
Etcetera stifled her giggles and, just as a faithful fangirl should, swooned. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Plato's sharp, green eyes watching cautiously. Catching his eye, if only briefly, she let out a loud squeal.
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat.
Etcetera did her best to sing above the other cats – she wanted to be heard. She noticed that her friends – could she still call them friends? It would be safer to call them 'old friends' – were singing along as well, bright grins painted on their pretty faces. They were doing their best to lull the Jellicles into thinking that everything was okay. Why did they hide their pain? Surely it would be better if they let an adult deal with it.
After all, Etcetera was far happier when her love for Tugger was there to take all the pain away.
Etcetera did her best to keep close to Tugger, but it was difficult. Half the Jellicles were crowded around him and he was thrilling with energy, constantly moving. When she did get close, she was immediately pushed back – or more accurately, he did a thrust into her face and she fell back, cheeks flushed with excitement. She closed her eyes and prepared for the impact.
But she never hit the ground.
When her eyes fluttered open, she was swimming in lovely, emerald green. Her breath caught.
"Plato?" she breathed.
He smirked, shrugged, and set her on her feet before rejoining the dance.
Etcetera bit her lip and stared after him before chasing Tugger once again.
It made Victoria feel slightly sick to the stomach to spend the whole of Tugger's song prancing around like she adored him. She'd outgrown it – in fact, out of her, Electra, Jemima and Etcetera, the only one who seemed to be cheering with any passion was Etcetera.
So Victoria danced and ran, smiling slightly at Munkustrap's disgruntled face. Already his perfect plan had been ruined.
And it didn't look like it was going to get any better, either. Just as Tugger's song ended, an unfamiliar queen with tattered, scrawny fur hobbled out into the open. Some of the Jellicles – mostly the older ones – spat and moved away in blatant disgust. Victoria blinked at her, unsure of who exactly she was.
"Grizabella," someone hissed.
"Who is she?" Victoria asked aloud.
Munkustrap pushed past her and stalked towards the old queen, crouched in a protective stance. Victoria shivered and moved back a little. "Who is she?" she repeated.
"One of Deuteronomy's wives," someone whispered in her ear. "She was a special cat, but she left us and her kittens. Nasty piece of work – she really hurt some of us when she left."
"A magic cat?" Victoria gasped. It made perfect sense. She looked so filthy and dilapidated because her magic had eroded away her beauty and sanity. The Jellicles were wary because her powers were dangerous. Victoria bit her lip – was this the sort of condition that was inevitable for Macavity and Misto?
Glancing around, she saw that Etcetera was staring at the queen in a mixture of disgust and sympathy. Taking a deep breath, Victoria went to her.
"She's a magic cat," she hissed in Etcetera's ear. The tabby jumped and spun round.
"I guessed," she said, looking uncomfortable.
Suddenly, Electra was right behind them, Jemima following. "Look at her," the dark tabby said spitefully. "The Jellicles hate her because she's magic."
"So you guessed as well," Jemima said ruefully.
"I saw a cat once. A cat who'd been ruined by magic." Electra shook her head, smiling sadly. "This 'Grizabella' reminds me an awful lot of him."
The four queens glanced at each other, surprised that they were actually talking to one another. Then, Jemima smiled. "I want to help her," she said, gesturing to Grizabella, who was staring sadly at Munkustrap. "We… we know now that magic is really painful."
"Yeah," Etcetera said quietly. "We should."
But it proved to be easier said than done. Whenever any of them tried to get close to Grizabella, even to offer a smile or a simple word of encouragement, the overprotective elders would hold them back, glaring uneasily at the old queen.
It isn't fair, Victoria thought to herself, staring wistfully at the outcast. It's like a punishment for having a talent.
"Why so glum, Victoria?"
It was Tugger. He looked a little more reserved than usual.
"She was special, wasn't she?" Victoria asked, going straight to the point.
Tugger sighed. "Very special," he said dryly. "So special that she went mad, attacked her own son and disappeared from the tribe, leaving her family, mate and friends."
Victoria shook her head. "There's more to it than that," she said softly. "You're just in the dark, Tugger."
He didn't look at all worried by this. "By the looks of it, that's the place to be," he shrugged, and slunk back into the shadows.
Before long, Grizabella had been driven away. The look on her face had been miserable.
Sometime in the future, will Misto come back to the tribe like this? Plato?
During Bustopher Jones' song, Victoria thought she was about to faint of boredom. When she was a kitten, she would've been happy to see the large tom bumbling round, but now she didn't think any part of the Ball could catch her attention.
She was sorely mistaken.
"Toodle pip!" Bustopher Jones cried at the end of his song, gaining a few chuckles from his audience. Just then, there was a loud crash.
"Macavity!" Demeter screeched.
Victoria jumped – suddenly, her heart was pounding against her ribs, the beat deafening in her head. Eyes wide and filled with excitement, she glanced around, looking for any sign of the red tom.
But she was quickly ushered away – the Jellicles were, of course, very careful when it came to Victoria. They didn't want anything to happen to her, not again. Gazing wistfully back, she wondered if Macavity was truly there.
Has he come back for me?
Songs passed – Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer performed, though their song hadn't been included in Munkustrap's plan. Then, finally, Old Deuteronomy made his entrance.
Deuteronomy's two sons sang for their father, and watching them with eyes half-closed, Victoria bit her lip. The Jellicle Protector and his brother, Tugger. There was one cat missing. Victoria closed her eyes, laid back, and imagined the scene with Macavity included. Macavity would have his place as Protector. He would sing in that deep, seductive voice of his. Come to think of it, Victoria had never heard him sing. She wondered vaguely if he was talented. Considering his Jellicle bloodlines, he would have a least some talent.
Next was the special song that was to be performed for entertainment for Deuteronomy. Victoria found it a little embarrassing to have to dress like a dog and scurry around barking, but it was easier than facing Munkustrap and explaining that to him.
When the performance was over, Deuteronomy spoke. Victoria was just about to close her eyes and doze when there was another loud crash. She was startled into hyper-awareness again, eyes frantically searching.
"Macavity!" Demeter cried for the second time, though all the Jellicles had already figured.
Where is he? Victoria was desperate for even a single glimpse of scarlet, but again, she was caught in the bustle of Jellicles running. Fighting against the crowd, she pulled away and ran back, only to realize that Deuteronomy, Munkustrap and Misto were still there. Feeling a little panicked, she quickly ran to Deuteronomy, pretending that she was frightened.
Where are you, Macavity?
Jemima ran back out into the Junkyard to see that there were still cats present, Victoria among them. Relieved that the danger had passed, she joined in. She was glad that Macavity wasn't there – it would be terrible for Victoria. Looking at the white cat, she did look frightened, but there was something in her eyes that betrayed more.
She quickly forgot about that though, because suddenly, Alonzo was there. She lost her composure under his seductive stare and fluttered about in a giggly sort of manner as he approached her slowly.
The moment was lost when Pouncival suddenly broke in between them, eyeing Alonzo suspiciously. Jemima swore she heard him mutter, "Slimy jerk," after he finished his line in the song.
The rest of the cats returned and the Ball finally commenced.
Munkustrap had decided that Victoria would be the one to, in a way, lead the beginning of the dance. Butterflies in her stomach, she made her way to the front and the rest of the Jellicles slid into formation behind her.
The dance continued, all of the Jellicles in their best form. Munkustrap looked pleased that the Ball was finally going how he wanted it to.
The moment that she'd been anticipating with sick dread finally came. She'd actually been enjoying the dance, but as soon as the music began to quiet, her stomach lurched and she closed her eyes.
I have to do this.
Plato watched her with inscrutable eyes. Shivering a little, she moved closer to him.
Someone… anyone… tell me why I'm doing this.
Plato initiated the dance, and in a moment of panic, Victoria danced backwards a few steps. The Jellicles frowned, eyes sharp with worry, but she calmed herself and relaxed her body. Plato blinked and gave one of those smirks that once, a long time ago, had had the ability to stop Victoria's heart.
"Come on," he breathed. "Don't tell me you're scared."
"I'm not," she whispered. "I'm not…"
Plato's smirk broadened.
Victoria poised herself in front of him and with perfect ease, Plato swung her upwards. He didn't even shake – he was stronger than he looked. Victoria shuddered again, and Plato muttered, "You're scared."
"Not," Victoria mumbled, but she was more focused on getting the dance perfect. If she was going to do it, she was going to do a good job.
Letting her eyes drift, she saw Misto crawling close to Electra and the dark tabby smiling very slightly. Glancing past the two of them, she caught Etcetera's eye.
She was watching Plato and Victoria's dance with wide, fervent eyes. Trust me, Victoria thought, I'd swap places with you any day.
Finally, it was over. Plato set Victoria down and the Jellicles all snuggled round. Victoria shivered again, uncomfortable among the cats that she'd once called her family. They weren't really, but they still insisted on treating her as one of them.
Just then, the peace was disturbed. It was Grizabella again, eyes wide at the sight of all the Jellicles curled up together. They jumped up at once, and it was as if a silent message had been passed through them – show her that she isn't worthy of being among us.
They danced. They danced hard and fast, letting their bodies move to the music. They hadn't planned this part of the Ball, but to Victoria, it was the best part. Her breathing came faster and all the Jellicles moved perfectly together.
It was wonderful. It was the Jellicles at their best.
It was during that dance that Victoria's heart blossomed and she felt as if she truly belonged.
Grizabella returned – again. This time, the Jellicles dispersed as fast as possible. Victoria watched with troubled eyes as first, Tugger humiliated her and then Pouncival. It was painful to think that her gift had landed her in a place of such hate and misery. Once again, Victoria tried to approach her. As she neared the old cat, she swore that she saw a faint spark in Grizabella's weary eyes.
"A white cat?" she breathed.
But before Victoria could even touch her, Jellylorum leapt forward and pulled her away.
"Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan."
Jemima felt tears stinging in her eyes. She looked up to the moon and knew that Grizabella was truly a gifted cat. How could the Jellicles disregard her so? Seeing the emotion coming off the old queen in waves made Jemima's heart ache.
Somehow she would find a way to help her.
And maybe… she already knew how.
"Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again."
The Jellicles slowly crept back into the Junkyard. Deuteronomy looked troubled – he'd sat all through Grizabella's lament and evidently, she was giving him a lot to think about.
"The moments of happiness…
We had the experience but missed the meaning
And approach to the meaning
Restores the experience
In a different form
Beyond any meaning
We can assign to happiness…"
"The past experience revived in the meaning
Is not the experience of one life only
But of many generations - not forgetting
Something that is probably quite ineffable."
Jemima took a quick look round and saw that many of the Jellicles were frowning, not understanding what Deuteronomy was saying. But Jemima understood. She knew exactly what to do.
Coricopat and Tantomile smiling encouragingly at her, she stood and opened her mouth.
"Moonlight, turn your face to the moonlight
Let your memory lead you
Open up, enter in
If you find there the meaning of what happiness is
Then a new life will begin."
Memories were the most precious things to every soul in the world. Memories were what shaped and created a cat – they could produce smiles, tears, laughter. They were, in their own way, a type of sanctuary to many.
Without being able to appreciate a memory, no cat would ever achieve happiness.
Gus came forward next, then Skimbleshanks. Victoria couldn't quite get Jemima's voice out of her head – something told her that she had sung something very special.
As Skimbleshanks finally finished, there was another huge crash. Victoria jumped and fervently glanced around.
There!
He had finally appeared. Victoria's eyes widened and her heart battered itself against her chest.
Macavity…
He looked beautiful to her, standing tall, arms upraised, golden eyes glittering with menace. Beneath the moonlight, his figure was cleansed. His lips pulled back in a vicious grin and he lowered his eyes fleetingly to meet Victoria's.
Her lips formed his name. Macavity… For a single second, his eyes softened.
And then he was laughing, laughing as if he had lost all his sanity. Victoria almost believed that he'd gone totally mad before her eyes. There was a sudden rustling and then, just like that, Deuteronomy was being lifted and stolen away before the Jellicles' eyes. Victoria's eyes widened, but she couldn't move. The things that were stealing Deuteronomy… what were they? They looked like cats, but at the same time they looked like… shadows?
Macavity… what are you doing?
"If my plan works, you'll see," his voice whispered in Victoria's mind.
And then he was gone.
Macavity…
With Macavity gone and Deuteronomy stolen, the Jellicles were in a mess. The Ball couldn't continue if Deuteronomy wasn't present. Munkustrap, looking furious, gathered all the toms and went off to search for their leader.
That only left the queens at the Junkyard.
Victoria huddled in the shadows at the very edge of the 'stage', watching as Demeter skittered about and Bombalurina settled up higher. Obviously, they had something planned.
"Macavity's a mystery cat, he's called the hidden paw."
What? Victoria's eyes widened. They were going to sing for Macavity? As ridiculous as the idea seemed, Demeter and Bombalurina were most certainly singing for him. Suddenly, Victoria felt the urge to leap up, race onto the stage and dance with them. She was the one who was meant to perform for him! What did Demeter and Bombalurina mean to him? Nothing.
Well, at least, Victoria hoped so.
"Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
He's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity."
Victoria narrowed her eyes. They were exaggerating horribly! A fiend? A monster?
Macavity's no monster!
"Stop deluding yourself, honey."
Victoria jumped.
Macavity?
But he wasn't there.
"And they say that all the cats whose wicked deeds are widely known"
I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone."
Griddlebone? Her mother? Surely, they were being crazy.
"They speak only the truth."
Macavity! Stop it!
There was a soft laugh before his voice faded again. Victoria groaned – he was ridiculous!
Near the end of the song, Victoria made her decision. There was no harm in emerging into the open and dancing with Demeter and Bombalurina – after all, everyone knew that she'd had some sort of experience with Macavity, though none of the Jellicles knew the complete truth. As she crept out, she found that the other females were following her.
Together, they all sang for him, for Macavity, the Mystery Cat.
Jemima sang because she was frightened of him and didn't understand him.
Electra sang because he had stolen her most prized possession from her and couldn't give it back.
Bombalurina sang because he'd destroyed her sister.
Demeter sang because she would be singed by his blazing touch for the remainder of her life.
Etcetera sang because she knew that beneath his frightening exterior, there had once been someone good.
And Victoria sang because she loved him.
Munkustrap rushed back into the Junkyard, the other toms close behind. Their solemn faces betrayed the bad news – neither Macavity nor Deuteronomy had been spotted.
Just then, Macavity's terrible and all-too-familiar laugh rang out. All the Jellicles spun round frantically – he was there! Munkustrap opened his mouth to shout at the red tom, but before he could speak a word, Macavity held his hands up and gestured towards the other end of the Junkyard.
Deuteronomy moved slowly into the Junkyard, ushered in by two dark figures. The Jellicles cried out in relief and rushed to him.
Victoria glanced back wistfully to where Macavity was standing, but he was no longer there.
How do you do it?
Suddenly, there was a long, low snarl. Demeter was staring at Deuteronomy with suspicion written all over her face, her body shivering and tense.
"Demmie?" Bombalurina called.
Demeter didn't respond. Instead, she rushed past Deuteronomy, knocking the Jellicles away from him.
"What are you playing at?" someone snapped.
Demeter shook her head furiously. She took a few steps back, keeping behind Deuteronomy, who was holding his hands out imploringly to the bewildered Jellicles. Then, she ran and threw herself onto the Jellicle Leader.
What the…? Victoria thought, eyes wide.
"Get out of the way," Macavity's voice warned within her head. "There's going to be one hell of a fire blazing in the Junkyard."
Just then, the Jellicles erupted into screams and cries off shock. Beneath the friendly disguise of Deuteronomy, Macavity had been hiding. Demeter was thrown backwards – she lay stunned at the edge of the Junkyard.
Victoria backed right into the shadows – that way, no one would see her smile. She just couldn't contain it. She was so, so happy to see him.
He rushed back and forth, cats falling away at his feet. Munkustrap screamed some sort of threat at him, but he took no heed. Instead, grinning malevolently at the Jellicle Protector, he flew at where Demeter was lying and grabbed her arms.
"No!" Munkustrap snarled. He leapt up and grabbed his mate's legs. "You won't take her!" he snapped at Macavity, who just blinked amusedly.
Why are you taking Demeter? Victoria couldn't help but feel envious.
"She's his truest, sweetest love," Macavity sneered in her head. She saw him jerk an elbow towards Munkustrap.
Oh… But Victoria still didn't understand. What would stealing Demeter achieve?
Munkustrap was beginning to go red in the face with anger and strain. Finally, Alonzo intervened and rushed in to take Demeter away.
And then it was just Munkustrap and Macavity. They stared at each other – Munkustrap's eyes burning with fury, Macavity's glinting with anticipation. Two brothers. The Jellicle Protector and the outcast.
Victoria's heart jumped into her throat.
The fight was a terrible one, but it was appallingly beautiful at the same time. Blood was stained across the ground, claws and teeth flashed deadly in the cold moonlight. Victoria couldn't breathe. She was frightened. She was cheering for the wrong side.
It seemed like it would never end. Macavity and Munkustrap were both breathing heavily, both dripping blood from various wounds. But they wouldn't stop. Neither of them was willing to give up.
Macavity! Don't… don't lose!
"You little traitor," he laughed in her mind, but his voice was strained.
The moment when Munkustrap faltered would stay in Victoria's memory for the rest of her life.
They had paused briefly, and that was when it happened. Munkustrap's eyes went wide and both hands clutched frantically at his chest. His mouth opened in a silent scream of pain.
"Munkustrap, no!" someone screamed; probably Demeter, though it sounded a lot like… Jemima?
Macavity took his chance. He swung the frozen Munkustrap up with ease and threw him across the Junkyard. The defeated Protector lay eerily still. Cats rushed to him, wailing pitifully.
How did that happen? Victoria thought, shocked by what had just happened.
"I knew his sickness would inevitably defeat him," Macavity said grimly in her mind.
With Munkustrap defeated, other Jellicles rose up to fight Macavity. He spun round, attempting to deflect them all, but there were too many. He was outnumbered, terribly so. Face twisted in frustration, he leapt up and away from the oncoming attacks.
Macavity! Don't go!
"I'll see you later, Victoria."
With that, he clapped two wires together. There was a huge snap, a blinding light and then the Junkyard descended into blackness.
The Jellicles had no idea what to do. Their Leader had been stolen, their Protector had been defeated by Macavity and it seemed as if the Ball wouldn't be able to continue.
Victoria picked her way through the darkness back into the midst of the Jellicles, looking for Misto. She wanted someone to talk to. But though she looked all over, she couldn't find him. With a sigh, she sat down and stared glumly towards where Pouncival had dug up an old torch.
"What do you think is going to happen?" asked a small voice right by her ear.
It was Jemima, Alonzo following close behind. Victoria narrowed her eyes curiously – she'd thought that Jemima was going out with Pouncival. She and Alonzo looked a little intimate just to be friends.
"I don't know," Victoria said. "Why are you asking me?"
"Because… you know Macavity better than a lot of us," Jemima said quietly.
Victoria bristled. "He killed me!" she said, making her voice indignant as possible, as if she hated the idea of 'knowing' Macavity. "I made an effort not to know him!"
Jemima sighed. "I suppose."
Suddenly, a voice rang out loud and clear above the Jellicles. The torch swung round and the beam of light rested on Tugger, who was lounging up high in the Junkyard. He flashed a grin.
"You ought to ask Mr. Mistoffelees - the original Conjuring Cat."
Tugger went on to sing more about Misto. Victoria vaguely remembered that the two were pretty much best friends (or more – who knew?). Misto was also the only magic cat who was truly known for what he was in the Junkyard. Of course, the Jellicles knew that Macavity had powers and they'd witnessed Plato use his powers too, but Misto was the only one truly out in the open. He was their little 'magician' with powers innocent enough that they weren't dangerous.
And he was the perfect choice when it came to bringing Deuteronomy back.
The magician himself appeared at Tugger's prompt and went on to perform briefly before actually using his magic. Victoria couldn't help but smile – he was truly a brilliant dancer.
"Ladies and gentlemen
I give you the marvelous
Magical Mr. Mistoffelees!"
Misto pulled a large red cloth from the TSE1 and beckoned Cassandra to him. He grinned and placed the cloth over the Abyssinian queen with the help of a few others.
All was silent.
Misto waved his hands over the cloth – a useless gesture just for show – and the squirming shape beneath the cloth seemed to grow in size.
Suddenly, Victoria felt a wave of sickness come over her. She gasped and sat abruptly, but no one noticed. They were busy focusing on the magic that Misto was performing. She took a few deep breaths and tried to collect herself, but the feeling wouldn't go away.
Through muffled hearing, she heard the Jellicles crying out in joy. She doubled over, somehow feeling as if she were fading away just as fast as Deuteronomy had appeared.
"Victoria? What's happening to you?"
It was Macavity, back in her head again.
Macavity… Macavity, I…
"I can see you from where I'm standing. It's Misto's magic, isn't it?"
It hurts.
"Shh. Don't let anyone see you, they'll have some sort of fit." His voice was teasing, but there was a definite edge of concern that sounded odd after hearing his maniacal laughter earlier. "Stand tall. I'll come to you later."
The burst of joy at that last statement was certainly enough to get Victoria on her feet. Smiling weakly, she joined in with the festivities again.
"Daylight
See the dew on the sunflower
And a rose that is fading
Roses wither away
Like the sunflower
I yearn to turn my face to the dawn
I am waiting for the day…"
All eyes were on Jemima as she sang. Her voice had an almost hypnotizing quality. It sent shivers down Victoria's spine.
This is true proof that all cats are magical. All.
The mood in the Junkyard softened and the flashing lights and colors that had lit it up beforehand had dimmed entirely. Everyone sensed that it was time. It was finally time for Deuteronomy to choose the cat that rose to the Heaviside Layer.
Etcetera smiled at this. She understood it all now. Deuteronomy was a wise cat who knew how to choose which cats had lives worthy of death and forever. She knew that he would choose well.
Before he could speak, there was a rustling and Grizabella was back again. The Jellicles all rushed past her and turned their backs on her miserable face. Victoria, still feeling weak, moved close to the old cat and held her arms out, but Jellylorum swept her away too quickly.
Why can't they see her pain?
Victoria huddled by Deuteronomy, every so often sending fleeting glances up at him. He stared at Grizabella, his expression level, but his eyes betrayed sadness and pity.
Grizabella sang. Her voice was old and weary, but it still contained the beauty that it must have once possessed. Anyone could tell that she'd once been just as beautiful as Jemima, that her voice had once been as sweet. Anyone could tell that she regretted hurting her friends and family with her magic.
They just didn't understand why. That was why only the young queens and toms who had been involved with the attempt to kill Macavity wished to help her. That was why Deuteronomy had such sad eyes.
When still no one reached out to her after singing, Grizabella lost hope. If the Jellicles weren't going to accept her and give her the chance of true happiness once again – of a life without pain-bringing magic – then what was the point of going on?
"Sunlight through the trees in Summer,
Endless masquerading…"
Jemima's sweet voice cut through the dawn, reaching into the hearts of every cat present. Grizabella lifted her head and Victoria saw that there was new hope, new life in her eyes.
Maybe… maybe Jemima has more magic than we all think. The magic of hope.
Grizabella rose to her feet, sending out one last plea to the Jellicles. They were all watching now, all looking doubtful of their past assumptions. But still, no one rose to take her hand. They just sat and stared.
Eyes wistful, Grizabella began to hobble away. Victoria knew then that she had to act. There was a blur of movement as she stood and daintily moved after Grizabella, who paused. Taking one look back at Deuteronomy for approval, he nodded and she reached out to lay her hand on Grizabella's.
There was a thrill of emotion and magic that passed through them in that moment they touched. The happiness from Grizabella's memories bloomed within Victoria's heart, and she drew a sharp breath in. Then, immediately after, she felt energy sucked out of her and Grizabella's eyes brightened. To a magic cat, a touch of a Chardir could bring miracles about.
And a miracle it did bring. Smiles spread across the faces of the Jellicles as Deuteronomy smiled and nodded. Grizabella would go to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
It was truly like magic from another world as Grizabella ascended. Victoria stood with Misto, awestruck by the phenomenon before her eyes. If this was the sort of magic that she was keeping alive, then she was very willing to die for it.
A/N: Next chapter is the last chapter. UNLESS.
Okay, so here's the deal. There is a very slim possibility of a sequel (the slimness is due to my extreme laziness). I'm only going to bother if people actually want it. I mean, either a few, very rabid people, or many people. If there is going to be a sequel, I will post an epilogue to this story. Probably a good month or more later, I'll post the sequel.
Alright? ;)